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San Antonio: The Alamo City

© Bob Thaxton

A famous Texas writer, J. Frank Dobie, once said that every Texan has two hometowns -- his own and San Antonio. If Dobie had lived to see his “other hometown” in the 21st century, he would find a modern city whose eclectic delights haven’t changed significantly and continue to attract visitors from near and far.

While they come to San Antonio for a multitude of reasons, a majority of the visitors make an obligatory stop at the Alamo, scene of the 13-day siege in 1836 when less than 190 defenders held off a Mexican army of 4,000. After slaughtering the Texans and burning their bodies, General Santa Anna marched his troops east to put down the revolt by freedom-loving settlers, mostly from the southern United States.

His campaign ended several weeks later at San Jacinto near modern-day Houston. Surprised during an afternoon siesta by volunteers yelling “Remember the Alamo,” his soldiers were routed in an 18-minute battle, and Santa Anna was taken prisoner and forced to grant Texas its independence.

Many first-time visitors to the Alamo are amazed to find it situated in the shadow of skyscrapers in the heart of downtown San Antonio, and some assume it must have been reconstructed and relocated. Though restoration has been extensive, the Alamo wasn’t moved. In 1836, the town’s center was several hundred yards to the west, but the city’s growth quickly swallowed up the old mission.

The Alamo is within easy walking distance of most downtown hotels, and from lodgings a bit farther away, the easy way to get there is on public transportation – the streetcar-like buses that ply routes around downtown. If you’re coming by car, good choices for parking are the high-rise garages at Rivercenter Mall. Get your ticket stamped at any of the mall’s stores, and you’ll park free for two hours.

Rivercenter Mall is home to an IMAX Theater where a film shown continuously is “Alamo: The Price of Freedom.” Each of its seven daily showings lasts less than an hour, and the movie is a good way to introduce youngsters to the history of the “shrine of Texas liberty.” More information, including show times and a coupon for a $1 discount on up to six tickets, can be found on IMAX’s Web site, http://www.imax-s.a.com.

Another entertaining way to introduce children, as well as adults, to the saga is the Alamo Special Effects Theater located across the street on Alamo Plaza. The theater uses light, sound and special effects to transport visitors back to the historic battle.